Mobility Products, News and Answers

Question From Reader:  What type of financing is available?

Answer From Superior:  There are lots of financing options available, even a lease option!  We work hand in hand with lendors that are familiar with the mobility industry and the appropriate costs involved in purchasing this type of vehicle or equipment.  They understand that often families have had substantial medical bills they have dealt with in the past and take into consideration the specifics of every applicants situation.  Special terms and rates have been established for these borrowers as well.  The most important part of the process is choosing the right vehicle or equipment that will benefit you in the long run.  That is why it is so important to meet with a mobility consultant to discuss not only your situation today, but what the future holds for you and your family.  The more informed you are, the better decision you can make.  Call one of our Superior Associates today to discuss your needs and situation.

Question From Reader:  I’m exploring the idea of getting a handicapped van because I recently found out I’ll be in a chair maybe the rest of my life.  Is it true you can drive from a chair in one of these things?

Answer From Superior:  Absolutely!  Our vans (a.k.a. lowered floor minivans, wheelchair vans, handicapped vans) are designed for a person in a chair.  The lowered floor, automatic ramp and door give you easy access in and out of the vehicle.  After an evaluation by a CDRS (Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists) we can customize the van to meet your specific needs!  The extra headroom from lowering the floor and the removal of the OEM seat allows you to position your chair right underneath the steering wheel.  Once you go through the proper training about driving with hand controls, or the applicable adaptive equipment, you can be driving around all by yourself in no time.Â

Question From Reader:  Are these vans called Ramp Vans or Handicapped Vans?

Answer From Superior:  Yes! Confusing answer, huh?  Well, truth be told, the industry name for this type of van is Lowered Floor Minivan Conversion.  The general public knows them better as wheelchair vans, ramp vans or handicapped vans because those names are easily derived from function.  When the first lowered floor minivan conversion was launched back in the 80’s, it was a great alternative to the Full Size Conversion Vans with Lifts in the side or rear door area!  They were much more economical to purchase and maintain, easier to drive, and more fashionably could accomodate an entire family as they cruised around town to work, run errands,  or hit the road on vacation.    Even in 2010, the WOW factor still comes in to play when a minivan pulls into grocery store spot, a ramp opens and deploys out the side, and the driver easily exits in his wheelchair — all in a matter of about 30 seconds.  Talk about stopping traffic!  That being said, call them whatever you want, we call them one of the best evolutionary products to benefit the disabled community in the 20th century.

Question From Reader:  I am curious why you don’t show wheelchairs or scooters for sale on your website?

Answer From Superior:  That’s a great question!  We have purposely chosen NOT become involved in the sale of wheelchairs and scooters so that we can focus on what we do best — lowered floor handicapped van conversions, lifts and adaptive driving equipment.  As the old saying goes, know a little about lots of things, but be an expert in ONE thing.  We are proud to be called mobility experts in the field of handicapped vans and driving equipment.  That’s where our focus has been for over 33 years, and that’s where it is going to stay.  We provide one-on-one consultation with customers abour our products, and understand that this purchase is not only a big financial investment, but a trust investment as well.  Those that try to sell equipment and vehicles over the internet simply cannot compete with what we can offer from that perspective!�

Question From Reader:  I have a Permobil C300 & a Joey lift. The chair manual shows a front/Rear 4Pt. tie down. Where do I hook the chair with the 3 Pt. tie down System? Thanks

 

Answer from Superior:  Hi Gary!  We received your question from our Blog about a 3 point tie down on the Joey lift. 

If I understand you correctly, your manual is showing a 4 point tie down system for tying down the chair to a floor based securement system. Since the Joey Lift only has three securement straps, you can tie down the chair using the one along the stem of the lift with the back wheel and the front two straps to one front and one back wheel.  Your platform should be spaced properly so that there is very little roll along the platform regardless.  The straps are there to ensure no movement upon an accident or sudden stop.  Does that make sense?  If you are near one of our seven locations, you can stop in anytime for us to show you how to secure these straps and to find out if any adjustments are needed on your platform.  These would be complimentary services.  Does that information help?

Question From Reader:  I see you sell something called a “Joey Lift”. Why do they call it a “Joey Lift”?

Answer From Superior:  What a great question!!!  Actually, the Bruno Platform Joey Wheelchair Lift is named after a baby kangaroo.  A joey, in referring to the animal version, is carried around inside its mother pouch.  It goes in and out of that pouch quickly and easily as needed.   The Joey Lift works the same way.  The platform lift is stored inside the rear area of your minivan.  When needed, the platform lifts out and down to the ground.  The chair or scooter is then driven onto the platform.  Once the person steps away from the chair, you simply push the in button on the remote control and the lifts pick the chair or scooter up and into the back of your minivan, ready to go with you wherever you take your car!   Makes sense now huh??  Please give us a buzz if you are thinking about whether or not a Joey would be a good option for you.

Question From Reader:  Why can only certain vans be modified?

Answer from Superior:  Superior Van & Mobility prides itself on offering and representing only the safest mobility vehicles and products on the market.  The modifications and products we sell have been approved by NHTSA have passed extensive crash safety tests.  When a van goes through a lowered floor conversion or modification, many things change such as placement of the gas tank, critical wire connections, and rear suspension operation.  Some van manufactureres like Dodge-Chrysler, Toyota and Honda recognize the need to offer a vehicle that lends itself easity and safely to these changes.  These along with many other factors help determine which vans can or cannot be converted.   If you have a van and are wondering if it would qualify for a conversion, give us a call and we can usually say yes or no with just a few short questions.  Call one of our Superior Associate today for more details on this issue:  1-800-458-8267.